Personal web in healthcare

Abstract

In this chapter we discuss the innovation and perspective of the Personal Web and its wide impact in the healthcare domain. We approach the Personal Web from aWeb 2.0 perspective and how it can benefit both practitioners and consumers in the medical field. The demand for personal web in healthcare is analyzed, as well as how it can be beneficial for key players involved in its development and maturity. The current role of personal web in the health industry and technologies is identified along with its advantages over conventional practices of diagnosis and treatment. Coupled with this, we isolate factors that may contribute to the success or failure of such a platform. Highlighted are the key aspects of Web 2.0 elements and features that are intrinsic to such innovation in the medical field. The relationship between personal web and personalized medicine is also discussed. Additionally, the current nature of personal web within the industry is analyzed in the context of these proposed ideas.